The role of the glowplug
With a glowplug engine, ignition is initiated by the
application of a 1.5-volt power source. When the battery
is disconnected, the heat retained within the combustion
chamber remains sufficient to keep the plug filament
glowing, thereby continuing to keep the engine running.
Ignition timing is 'automatic' : under reduced load,
allowing higher rpm, the plug becomes hotter and,
appropriately, fires the fuel/air charge earlier;
conversely, at reduced rpm, the plug become cooler and
ignition is retarded.
Install a plug suitable for the engine.
Use fuel containing a moderate percentage of
nitromethane unless more is essential for racing
events.
Do not run the engine too lean and do not leave the
battery connected while adjusting the needle.
However, plug life can be extended and engine
performance maintained by careful use, i.e.:
Apart from when actually burned out, a plug may
need to be replaced because it no longer delivers its
best performance, such as when:
When to replace the glowplug
Filament surface has roughened and turned white.
Filament coil has become distorted.
Foreign matter has adhered to filament or plug
body has corroded.
Engine tends to cut out when idling.
Starting qualities deteriorate.
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Glowplug life
Particularly in the case of very high performance
engines, glowplugs must be regarded as expendable
Since the glowplug and fuel combination used may
have a marked effect on performance and reliability, it
would be worthwhile to experiment with different plug
types.
Recommended O.S. plugs are Nos. 8, A5 and A3.
Carefully install plug finger-tight, before final tighten-
ing with the correct size plug wrench.
GLOWPLUG
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